HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES
September 8, 2009

APPROVED:
__________________

AGENDA:                  TOWN DIRECTIONAL SIGNS:  DON MILBRAND
                                    WORKSHOP
 

ATTEND:                   Clay Dingman (Chairman), Larry Douglas (Vice Chair), Dorcas Gordon, Sandra Heaney

ABSENT:                   Rick Alpers (Sel. Rep.), Robin Fitzgerald (Alternate), Mark                                                 Greenwood (Alternate)

OTHER:                      -----

The meeting opened at 7:00 pm. 

MINUTES OF JULY 14, 2009:
The following amendments were made:
Page 2, 3rd paragraph, next to last line, replace “precedence” with “precedent”.  Page 3, last paragraph, next to last line, replace “Klinker” with “Clinker” in two places.
C. Dingman made a motion, second by D. Gordon, to approve the minutes as amended.  The motion carried with one abstention.

TOWN DIRECTIONAL SIGNS:  DON MILBRAND
Mr. Dingman presented a sample sign from Hammar & Sons.  It has black vinyl with a silver background and black lettering for a cost of $45.00.  Mr. Dingman stated that this price has a 24” limitation length.  He thought that maybe they would keep the same price for something a little larger if we ordered 20 or so.  Ms. Heaney felt that this would depend on how many can be cut from one sheet.  The printing is in Franklin Gothic style.

Mr. Milbrand asked the life of these signs and Mr. Dingman stated that he will ask.  He mentioned that the lettering may not be consistent, depending upon how much is needed.
 A discussion followed.  Mr. Dingman will talk to Rick Hammar further. 

Ms. Gordon asked if the posts will be placed before the ground freezes.  Mr. Milbrand answered that they may or may not, depending on how far he can get with them.  Morrison Construction will put them in.  A discussion followed concerning triangle brackets on square posts. 
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SIGNS continued:
Ms. Gordon asked about the color of the posts and the general feeling was that they be white with a finial on top.  Ms. Heaney stated that Mr. Batchelder does finials.  Mr. Dingman stated that Mark Bucklin, Highway Superintendent, should be asked about the posts and their location (due to plowing, etc.).  Mr. Douglas suggested that the lowest sign be above kid’s height to prevent vandalism. 

Ms. Gordon asked how the customers shall be able to order the signs.  Mr. Milbrand felt that this will be done through the town office.  Ms. Heaney suggested that the customer be required to sign off when the sign is ready so that they cannot come back on the town later on.  Mr. Dingman felt that he could work on a form for this.  Ms. Gordon asked if a 2-line sign could be done and she cited her own case in which she would want her name and then Attorney at Law below it.  This will have to be determined but thought that it could be done with different size lettering.

Mr. Douglas asked the two locations planned for the signs and Mr. Milbrand answered that one will be in the Square and one by the traffic light.  He mentioned that the State charges an annual fee for signs.  Ms. Gordon felt that it is better to charge a higher fee up front instead.

BRIDGES:
Mr. Milbrand presented a picture of what the Smith River bridge is to look like.  He stated that the Central St. bridge will probably open around Sept. 18th.  They will have a ribbon cutting ceremony.  He is thinking that maybe they can have the antique cars be the first vehicles to cross over. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Historic buildings update, Guidelines, and TTCC compliance:
Mr. Dingman was not prepared for this meeting but will work on them for our next meeting.  He is to work on getting a web site for the Historic buildings so that authorized persons can input the data in an Inventory.  It will be an addendum to the Master Plan as it will need continual updating.  He will also work on the Guidelines.

As to the TTCC, the secretary will update Michelle Bonsteel, Land Use Officer, as to the status and have her speak to Doug Williams as it is now a matter of enforcement.  They were to come back for an update in July of 2009 and have two years to do the cladding to the cement wall.  Ms. Gordon suggested that we remind them that the town does a lot of their funding and can insist that this be done.

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OTHER:
Ms. Gordon stated that she has had an idea of making and selling cards, Christmas tags, etc. to fund the river walk.  Mr. Dingman felt that she needs to sell something larger (more money) in order to make enough.  Ms. Gordon said she was thinking that it would be seed money for grants.  Mr. Douglas suggested that she look at the recreation path to be made from Hill to the old railroad station as this would only require the permission of the Army Corps of Engineers.  Mr. Dingman agreed that this is a better start.  The secretary mentioned that she understands that Paul Weston is speaking with them and we should check with him first. 

With no other business, S. Heaney made a motion, second by L. Douglas, to adjourn at 8:10 p.m.  The motion carried.

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,
                                                                        Jan Laferriere, secretary